Long-term effect on body composition and metabolic parameters after treatment with recombinant human growth hormone (r-hGH) in HIV-1 infected patients with lipodystrophy.

Several studies have shown reduction of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) using recombinant human growth hormone (r-hGH) in HIV-1+ patients, but whether these effects are maintained after the end of treatment is unknown. In a prospective, randomized study we previously studied the effects of r-hGH 4 mg daily vs 3 times/week over 12 weeks, followed by a 2 mg daily maintenance dose for an additional 12 weeks. T1 weighted MRI flash sequences were performed of the face, abdomen and at mid-thigh level (MTF) at baseline, week 12, week 24 and at follow-up. Of 20 subjects who completed the 24-week study, follow-up is available for 16 patients (15 male, mean age 44.8 y, mean duration of HIV infection 13.5 y). After a median time of follow-up of 9 months, VAT remained overall 18% below baseline level (p =0.005). MTF was significantly reduced by 12% compared to its baseline level (p =0.03). Fasting glucose levels significantly improved by 21% compared to baseline (p =0.006). These results suggest that the achieved reduction of VAT using r-hGH in lipodystrophic HIV+ patients is in part maintained after a median follow-up of 9 months.